Ohio approves Eastern Cottontail solar site | Projects Weekly
This edition of Projects Weekly kicks off by highlighting a 220 MW utility scale project in Ohio. Plus, we take a look at an $1.275 million investment for solar in Washington, D.C., homes and churches, three community solar projects in Nova Scotia have received $1.74 million in funding, OCI Energy has sold two Texas solar projects totaling 286 MWdc to Sabanci Renewables, a Connecticut high school has unveiled a 1 MW solar carport, and more. Keep reading to stay up to date on the latest solar project news.
Ohio regulators OK Eastern Cottontail Solar Project
The Ohio Power Siting Board (OPSB) approved the Eastern Cottontail Solar Project, granting its Certificate of Environmental Compatibility and Public Need. The up to 220 MW utility-scale solar facility, developed by EDF power solutions, is now permitted to commence construction at its site located within Walnut Township in Fairfield County, Ohio.
“This milestone is a result of years of engagement with the Fairfield County community, farmers and landowners, and local officials to align the project with community priorities and long-term growth,” said Nick Lucania, lead developer of the Eastern Cottontail Solar Project. “We’re committed to maintaining an open dialogue as we move into construction and operations, and to being a trusted partner in the community for years to come.”
Cool factor: Eastern Cottontail is estimated to create approximately 500 construction jobs, as well as long-term jobs in operations and maintenance. This is in addition to a projected 270 indirect jobs created across local supporting industries. Over the life of the project, Eastern Cottontail is expected to generate up to $80 million in stable, long-term revenue for schools, police and fire departments, and local services throughout Fairfield County.
The project will generate enough electricity to power the equivalent of 42,000 average U.S. homes. Once operational, it will help support central Ohio’s increasing demand for power, which is expected to double in the decade leading up to 2028. In addition, the project is will implement sheep grazing to assist with vegetation management at its project site, thereby helping to keep the land in agricultural use. This commitment was filed as a supplement to its permit application with the OPSB. The project will seek to partner with local shepherds to supply and manage the flock.
DC Green Bank invests $1.3 million to install solar at homes, churches
DC Green Bank is investing $1.275 million in financing for Uprise Solar to install solar energy systems at 74 homes and three churches across Washington, D.C. The building owners will receive the energy from the solar arrays at no cost. More than two-thirds of the households that will benefit are located in Wards 5, 7, and 8, and at least 75% are low and moderate income. The loan will also finance solar arrays at 10 buildings in Maryland that are part of the D.C. grid, adding additional energy resilience to the District. The solar arrays are expected to generate over 1 MWh of renewable energy annually, reducing carbon emissions by the equivalent of 1.8 million miles driven by an average passenger vehicle each year.
“This financing shows DC Green Bank’s catalytic impact: saving families money, supporting local businesses, and creating jobs,” said Brandi Colander, interim CEO of DC Green Bank. “Our continued partnership with Uprise Solar has grown a business dedicated to the community, helping more District residents benefit from solar power and building the local economy.”
This investment is DC Green Bank’s third loan to Uprise Solar, enabling $5 million in total investment and supporting a DC-based small business and certified business enterprise (CBE).
Cool factor: Uprise Solar’s partnership with DC Green Bank has helped it grow from a single employee to a staff of 30 in just over 3 years. With the support of DC Green Bank financing, Uprise has expanded from a solar construction company to owning and operating solar arrays, keeping the revenue and value of these systems in the District, rather than selling them to outside investors. Additionally, Uprise now installs battery storage, EV chargers, and roofing. Because of the growth and expansion of its business, Uprise employs its installers and construction team directly, providing steady, good-paying jobs.
“DC Green Bank has helped accelerate our growth, bringing clean energy and utility bill savings to hundreds of DC families and helping us keep jobs and dollars in the District,” said Chris Sewell, Managing Director and Founder at Uprise Solar. “Our mission is to build an employee-focused culture at Uprise. Well-taken-care-of employees take great care of their customers. This is our way to do the best job we can sharing the benefits of solar power to DC residents regardless of income. DC Green Bank has helped us make that happen all along the way.”
PowerBank granted $1.74 million for community solar in Nova Scotia
PowerBank Corp. has been granted $1.74 million in funding for the Sydney, Brooklyn, and Petpeswick community solar projects in Nova Scotia. The grant was provided through the Nova Scotia Department of Environment and Climate Changes provided by the Nova Scotia Department of Energy and managed by the Net Zero Atlantic program.
“This funding from Net Zero Atlantic will go far towards the development of long-lasting solar projects that bring clean energy and energy savings to Nova Scotia.” said Dr. Richard Lu, President and CEO of PowerBank. “With over a decade of proven experience in solar development and operations—including community solar, commercial and industrial installations, and other government-led initiatives—PowerBank brings the expertise needed to the successful implementation of Nova Scotia’s Community Solar projects.”
Net Zero Atlantic is a leading research organization with a team of scientists, engineers and project mangers working to support the energy transition and respond to climate change. Their purpose is to advance a sustainable and inclusive transition to a carbon-neutral Atlantic Canada by 2050 through the provision of credible and objective data and support services.
Cool factor: The Nova Scotia Community Solar Program (CSP), is the first CSP in Canada, supporting Nova Scotia’s commitment to 80% renewable energy by 2030 and electricity grid reaching net-zero by 2035. The program aims to add 100 MW of solar generation to the grid to help reduce reliance on fossil fuels, mitigate climate change and foster local economic growth. The clean energy generated by community solar projects feeds directly into the local electricity grid.
Under the grant, the PowerBank will receive $340,000 for the Sydney Solar Project, $440,000 for the Petpeswick Solar Project, and $960,000 for the Brooklyn Solar Project. The projects are 48% owned by AI Renewable Flow-through Fund, and 52% owned by a non-profit organization or Potlotek First nation. PowerBank is the lead developer and builder for the projects, and PowerBank will partner with local Nova Scotia’s trusted engineering firm, Trimac Engineering, to deliver the projects.
OCI Energy sells back-to-back Texas solar projects to Sabanci Renewables
OCI Energy and Sabanci Renewables have closed on the sale of Project Lucky 7 Solar, a 100 MWac / 130 MWdc project located in Hopkins County, Texas, within the ERCOT-North market. The project, which was developed by OCI Energy, will now move forward to construction and operation under the leadership of Sabanci Renewables. In July, OCI Energy sold Project Pepper to Sabanci Renewables, a 120 MWac / 156 MWdc solar project in McLennan County.
“Our expanding collaboration with Sabanci Renewables reflects both companies’ commitment to delivering high-impact, long-lasting clean energy projects that strengthen grid security and support power market affordability” said Sabah Bayatli, president of OCI Energy. “We’re proud to hand off Project Lucky 7 and excited to see them carry it forward to construction and ultimately to commercial operation. Our shared vision makes Sabanci an ideal partner for advancing clean energy in Texas.”
Spanning approximately 745 acres, Lucky 7 Solar will deliver clean, reliable energy to the electrical grid to meet increasing power demand in the region. The project is expected to reach commercial operation in 2027.
Cool factor: In addition to the closing, OCI Energy and Sabanci Renewables agreed to explore future project opportunities together, with both companies expressing mutual interest in developing and delivering energy solutions that are secure, reliable, and affordable.
“Project Lucky 7 marks another significant step in delivering clean and reliable energy,” said Tolga Kaan Doğancıoğlu, CEO, Sabanci Renewables. “The acquisition aligns with Sabanci Group’s 100-year legacy of responsible growth and long-term value creation. We sincerely appreciate the OCI Energy team’s professionalism and collaborative spirit throughout this process. Their dedication and shared vision have been important to the success of this transaction, and we look forward to continuing our partnership. The next step is to bring the project into commercial operation in 2027, contributing to the region’s energy needs.”
Connecticut high school unveils 1 MW solar carport
The Town of Ridgefield, in partnership with Davis Hill Development and the Connecticut Green Bank, has completed the construction and commissioning of a 1.038 MW solar carport at Ridgefield High School. The landmark project reflects the town’s long-standing commitment to sustainability, fiscal responsibility, and educational excellence.
“This project is a great example of what’s possible when forward-thinking communities and strong partners come together,” said Micah Brill, VP of asset management at Davis Hill Development. “Ridgefield had a clear vision, and with the support of the Green Bank and Patriot Renewable Energy Capital, we were able to bring that vision to life, delivering real savings, clean energy, and long-term value to the town.”
Generating approximately 1.3 million kWh of renewable electricity annually, the system will reduce the school’s energy costs and carbon footprint while delivering an estimated $1.5 million in savings over the next 25 years. Designed to power the equivalent of nearly 100 homes per year, the solar installation also serves as a highly visible symbol of Ridgefield’s leadership in climate action and community stewardship.
Cool factor: The project was financed through an innovative structure that included support from the Connecticut Green Bank and a tax equity investment from Patriot Renewable Energy Capital. AEC Solar served as the engineering, procurement, and construction (EPC) partner, completing the carport on an accelerated summer schedule to avoid disruptions to the school year. The project also benefited from federal Investment Tax Credits enabled by the Inflation Reduction Act–highlighting how supportive national policies can translate into local cost savings and environmental impact.
The solar system is uniquely integrated into four separate town- and school-owned electric meters, allowing for optimal use of on-site solar production and full participation in programs like Connecticut’s Non-Residential Renewable Energy Solutions (NRES), Zero Emission Renewable Energy Credits (ZRECs), and Class I RECs. This solar carport builds on Ridgefield’s broader sustainability initiative, which began nearly a decade ago and includes rooftop solar installations at eight other schools and municipal buildings.
Geronimo Power breaks ground on 125 MW Jackson County Solar in Michigan
Geronimo Power has started onsite construction at its 125 MW Jackson County Solar project in Jackson County, Michigan. Jackson will join the previously announced MiSolar Portfolio in nearby Clinton and Monroe counties and will expand the company’s presence within the Midwestern Independent System Operator (MISO) market to nearly 1 GW.
“As a company founded on a farm in the rural Midwest, I’m thrilled to see our MISO footprint continue to grow,” said Joe Ibrahim, VP of construction at Geronimo. “The addition of the Jackson project to our Michigan portfolio will bring more than $70 million in total economic benefit. This is significant when you consider the impact that will make for local residents and communities. We’re proud to be part of that story.”
Cool factor: Once operational, Jackson is anticipated to produce $28 million in new tax revenue over the first 20 years, which will be distributed to local counties, townships and school districts. Barnhart Energy Company (BEC) is constructing the project, which is estimated to sustain approximately 300 construction and service jobs.
Anticipated to begin operations next year, Jackson is expected to generate enough clean, renewable energy to provide the equivalent electrical usage of an estimated 33,600 homes each year. Geronimo has had a longstanding presence in the MISO region, with a history of developing projects that deliver vital energy infrastructure across the Midwest. Most recently, the company announced the addition of its 250-MW Portage Solar project in Wisconsin. In total, Geronimo has developed more than 2.5 gigawatts (GW) of clean energy within the MISO market, delivering more than $275 million in new tax revenue to local communities.
Fermi America announces construction partners for 11 GW private AI grid
Fermi America, in partnership with the Texas Tech University System, has formed two strategic partnerships with West Texas and Panhandle industry leaders Parkhill and Lee Lewis Construction. Together, the firms will support the creation of the world’s largest, first-of-its-kind, private grid to power the soaring energy needs of next-generation AI.
Parkhill, an expert in engineering and architecture, and Lee Lewis Construction, a leading construction manager/contractor in the country, will join a team of experts developing the 11 GW private grid, located in Amarillo, Texas.
“Growing up in Lubbock, Texas, I’ve always known and trusted these guys,” noted Fermi America co-founder Toby Neugebauer. “When we partnered with the Texas Tech University System and signed the lease on the best site in the country, every big national firm started beating on our door. But being locals, we understood that you simply can’t do better than Lee Lewis and Parkhill, and we are excited to be one of their biggest builds to date, right here at home.”
Cool factor: The two companies have distinct, vital roles. Providing engineering and architectural expertise, Parkhill is designing resilient infrastructure solutions that will seamlessly integrate with regional needs and Fermi America’s future expansion plans. Responsible for construction management and executing those designs, Lee Lewis Construction will build and manage the site in a way that ensures quality, safety, timeliness and efficiency.
Together, these partnerships will focus on regional growth with a global impact — creating a resilient private grid infrastructure that will underpin innovation and economic development for decades to come, all on time and in budget. This initiative underscores Fermi America’s deep commitment to West Texas and the Texas Panhandle, building on its ongoing partnership with the Texas Tech University System. Together, the organizations are advancing workforce development, research, and innovation across the state. Parkhill has proudly supported the Texas Tech University System for more than 70 years, while Lee Lewis Construction boasts 50 years of working with the system.
CSU’s climate research gets $60,000 grant from Pivot Energy
With the goal of promoting healthy plant and soil ecosystems through sustained solar energy production, Colorado State University (CSU) announced that Pivot Energy, a leading renewable energy independent power producer, has contributed $60,000 to CSU’s Dryland Ecology and Management Lab. The funding will support the first-of-its-kind, comprehensive research on dryland ecosystems with solar projects in the Desert Southwest.
The lab serves as a central climate research hub within CSU’s Warner College of Natural Resources where ecologists explore solutions for making dryland ecosystems more resilient to global change.
Cool factor: Through Pivot Energy’s donation, CSU will be able to advance its dryland research and explore new ecovoltaic synergies between solar development and dryland restoration. The research supports the key pillar of habitat enhancement work that Pivot deploys on solar project sites as one of its three agrivoltaics configurations. Pivot’s philanthropic investment will also enable valuable student training in dryland restoration and ecovoltaics research and grant application preparation and submittals to support students’ ongoing workforce development and skills for sustaining long-term research work.
“We are excited to work with Pivot Energy and to embark on a variety of exciting new research opportunities at the nexus of sustainable energy production and restoration ecology,” said Carrie Havrilla, assistant professor in the Department of Forest & Rangeland Stewardship and director of CSU’s Dryland Ecology and Management Lab. “Pivot’s generous support, coupled with its belief and investment in the CSU Dryland Ecology and Management Lab, demonstrates the high value the organization places on creating measurable positive impacts on people, communities, and the planet and its effort toward working in collaboration to battle climate change.”
The research will take place on three Pivot solar project sites in Mesa County, Colorado, with fieldwork expected to begin in Fall 2025 and continue through 2027. Pivot has more than 16 years of experience accelerating the clean energy transition and helping companies and communities achieve impactful decarbonization.
Onyx Renewables completes 13 MW solar projects at Fort Polk Military Installation
Onyx Renewables has completed two ground-mount solar projects totaling 13 MW at the U.S. Army’s Fort Polk military installation. Developed in partnership with sustainable infrastructure solutions provider Corvias, the projects were celebrated earlier this month with a ribbon-cutting ceremony attended by Onyx, Corvias, the U.S. Department of Defense, community leaders, and other key stakeholders.
The solar arrays are scheduled for energization this fall, and Onyx will finance, own, and operate the systems long term. In collaboration with the U.S. Army, Onyx and Corvias developed these projects to provide a predictable electric rate to the military installation while also advancing the Army’s energy goals. The projects will leverage renewable energy generation that can support the military installation’s energy resiliency, with the addition of battery storage and microgrid controls in the future.
“By increasing onsite energy capacity with distributed resources, we are not only bolstering crucial resilience across the base but also generating savings that will benefit the military community stationed there,” said Kevin Cox, senior VP of origination at Onyx Renewables.
Cool factor:The Fort Polk solar projects, which are collocated on one parcel spanning 97 acres, will provide energy cost savings over a 25-year power purchase agreement (PPA) term. In addition to promoting energy security and resiliency, the projects are anticipated to meet 40% of the electricity demand for on-base housing in their first year.
“Corvias’ efforts across our military housing portfolio are a reflection of the important role energy resilience plays in national security,” said Corvias CEO Chris Wilson. “By enhancing the energy infrastructure of military installations, we are helping to meet tomorrow’s defense needs.”
Building on their successful track record of developing distributed generation (DG) assets for the U.S. Army at bases such as Fort Riley, this latest milestone at Fort Polk underscores Onyx and Corvias’ collective determination and ability to drive sustainable energy solutions forward. The companies’ extensive experience in navigating complex regulatory landscapes has been instrumental in advancing this landmark renewable energy project in Louisiana.
